William Lewis
William Howard Lewis
March 24th, 1954 – August 16th, 2026
*Author’s Note: The following excerpts in our “Life Stories” are from the Celebration of Life service for William Howard for you to read, reflect, and pay your respects privately. It was an honor to learn about Bill and to be entrusted to help his loved ones celebrate his wonderful life. Bill’s daughter, Karlie, and his son-in-law, Mitchell, shared touching sentiments, and he was laid to rest at Mount Olivet Memorial Park in Zion, Illinois. He will be dearly missed by many.
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Born on March 24th, 1954, in Monroe, Wisconsin, Bill lived a wonderful life.
Bill graduated from Monroe High School and attended Gateway Technical College in Kenosha where he received an associate’s degree in horticulture. From landscaping to management, he spent 45 years working at Abbott Labs and Abbvie in North Chicago. In 2022, he embraced retirement, and he enjoyed summer work at Anton’s Greenhouse in Pleasant Prairie, WI.
Bill was a devoted member of the Zion Alano Club. Sober since 2012, he took sobriety seriously. He did all he could to support others on their journey and was a trusted sponsor to many.
In 1993, at a friend’s wedding, Bill met Karene. One year later, on May 20th, 1994, the two united in marriage in Waukegan, IL. For 32 years, Bill and Karene adventured through life together. With 4 children and 4 grandchildren, Bill adored being Dad and Grandpa. He was an amazing and involved dad. He loved being the scout leader when Ben was little. Bill and Karene’s house was the hang out spot for their kids and their kids’ friends. They created a safe and fun environment where everyone felt welcome.
Bill loved gardening, camping, backpacking, fishing, and boating. He loved relaxing in the Minocqua area with Karene. He was a great cook and master of the grill. His specialties were Monterey chicken, BLTs with fresh ingredients from his garden, and soups made from scratch.
He was a talented painter of landscapes, and he utilized his passion for painting as a helpful activity and way to bond with grandson, Joe.
Bill loved his dogs, Loki and Jack, and Kirby the cat. Kirby was so named because Bill rescued the tiny kitten from a busy road where she was pressed up against the curb.
Above all, Bill cherished every moment with his family and close friends from Abbott and the Alano Club. He was all about being there for others, being helpful, being kind, and embracing the goodness and simplicity of every day.
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As we reflect on Bill’s 72 years, it may feel like it all went by far too quickly. While no length of time with our loved ones will ever seem long enough, know that it was an absolute blessing to have had Bill present on this earth for over 7 decades. His time here and his time spent with each of you was a precious gift. When your world feels a little too empty, may you fill it with gratitude that your time here overlapped with Bill’s and that you were blessed to know him.
The truth is, missing someone we love lasts for always. While the broken pieces of your heart will never quite be the same, know that Bill would not want your heart to be troubled. He would want you to embrace your life, live each day, soak up all the precious time that you are given…and be gratefully aware that every moment is a blessing.
Mother Theresa said, “I have found the paradox, that if you love until it hurts, there can be no more hurt, only more love.”
In Bill’s name, go forth with full and happy hearts. May you find comfort in sweet memories, may you find peace in the ways you find him to still be a part of your present, and may you find hope in being reunited with him some day in the kingdom of God.
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May you know in your heart that he is at peace, he is home now in the loving embrace of our Lord in heaven. He is reunited with the many loved ones he had been missing including his parents John and Mabel, his in-laws Keith and Chalrei, his dogs Chelsea and Max. He is surrounded by love. And it won’t be forever, and you’ll be together again…only better and happier.
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He was a great guy- and he will be forever loved and missed by his devoted wife Karene, his children Corina, Karlie, Ben, and Danny, his grandchildren Paul, Joe, Kristine, and Maci, his siblings Robert, Cathy, and Richard, his brothers-in-law Keith and Kevin, his special nephew Tony, and many other dear family members and friends.
Whether you picture him tending to his garden or sitting in his boat casting a line, know that Bill embraced all his precious time, and he is at peace.
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Bill, may you rest in eternal peace knowing you are dearly loved.
My sincere condolences and love, Holly